Warranties and Guarantees

Wilderness is the exclusive distributor in New Zealand of the Bürstner, Carado and HYMER brands. Each of these brands has a reputation for being a world leader in the recreational vehicle industry.

When you purchase your new or used motorhome from us, you get our Rest Easy warranty so that you can purchase with confidence and enjoy a worry-free ownership experience.

Our Rest Easy warranty applies to all our new or used motorhomes and campervans. It covers mechanical issues and issues with the fit-out of your motorhome or campervan except for where this has been excluded.

We are committed to upholding the highest business standards in order to ensure that you are totally satisfied with your purchase. 

What's included in your warranty

What's not included in your warranty (exclusions)

The warranty does not cover the following:

• Regular servicing and the cost of replacement parts and components including, but not limited to, friction items such as brake shoes, pads, and clutch discs.
  
  
• Regular warranty checks including water tightness tests.
  
  
• Any vehicle failure whilst the vehicle is being used as a sublet or commercially (i.e. as a taxi, courier vehicle, shuttle, or any vehicle used for hire or reward.)
  
  
• Any aftermarket enhancements, electrical or mechanical parts installed after the date of purchase, unless those items were installed by us, and any failure arising from these items.
  
  
• Failure to adequately care for and maintain the Vehicle as described in the relevant manufacturer’s owner’s manual.
  
  
• Repairs to or replacement of components required as a result of the use of the Vehicle for anything other than recreational purposes.
  
  
• Repairs to or replacement of components required as a result of the use of incorrect fuel, fluids, or fuel or fluid into water systems.
  
  
• Repairs to or replacement of components required as a result of the vehicle being involved in an accident.
  
  
• Repairs to or replacement of components required as a result of wilful damage, neglect, or abuse of the vehicle.
  
  
• Repairs to or replacement of components required as a result of failure to take reasonable care of the vehicle, including following a failure of the vehicle.
  
  
• Repairs to or replacement of components caused by faulty workmanship through insurance repair or repair completed by anyone other than us.
  
  
• Repairs to or replacement of components required as a result of external forces including, without limitation, contamination, water damage, fire, natural disaster, atmospheric conditions, rodent damage, stone chipping, corrosion, rust, or the perishing of any part of the Vehicle.
  
  
• Normal wear and tear, including interior surfaces, upholstery, or paint.
  
  
• Damage or failures resulting from theft or fire.

Buying your motorhome from a license Motor Vehicle Trader like Wilderness offers you greater consumer protection than buying privately. That’s because licensed dealers must comply with the Motor Vehicle Sales Act, Consumer Guarantees Act, and the Fair Trading Act. This legislation is designed to protect you because:

• Dealers are required by law to be transparent. They must be registered, disclose any security interest over (money owing on) a vehicle they're selling, and produce their Certificate of Registration if asked. They must also provide accurate vehicle history reports for used vehicles (including condition, mileage, and any outstanding loans), and display emissions and fuel efficiency information for new vehicles.
  
  
• The motorhome must meet certain standards. By law, the motorhome needs to be in acceptable condition, safe, and function as advertised (or for the purpose you mentioned when buying).
  
  
• You have recourse if there are issues. If the motorhome doesn't meet these standards, you can seek repair, replacement, or even a refund. 

Furthermore, there's also mediation available if we disagree. Because we are a member of the Motor Trade Association, you can access their free mediation service if there’s a dispute.

In the unlikely event that the motorhome you purchase from us experiences faults, we will meet our legal obligations. 

Your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act are in addition to our warranty and any warranty provided by the motorhome manufacturer.

The Consumer Guarantees Act does not apply where the product has been misused, broken, or improperly operated.

If you are purchasing a motorhome for commercial or business purposes, then the provisions of the Consumer Guarantees Act do not apply. However, you are still covered by our warranty and the warranty given by the manufacturer.

For further information on your rights visit www.consumerprotection.govt.nz.

Water leaks are a major cause of damage in motorhomes, if left unchecked. Our motorhome brands stand behind the quality of the motorhome build by offering a water tightness warranty. This warranty gives you confidence that the manufacturer will cover the cost of repair if water ingress causes damage to your motorhome.

The warranty cover varies between brands and model years. Water tightness warranties expire at the end of the warranty period or when the mileage limit is reached, whichever comes first. 

All water tightness warranties, regardless of brand, require that the motorhome is regularly checked for any signs of water ingress. The water tightness test provides an early warning of any issues before they become major and costly. The test is the responsibility of the motorhome owner.

When do water tightness tests need to be done?

The water tightness test must be conducted annually. The first test is due one year after the date of the vehicle’s first registration and on the anniversary of the date of registration in the following years. If your motorhome’s warranty is registered with us, we will send you a reminder when your water tightness test is due. 

Carado and HYMER allow a grace period of six months either side of the test due date. That means you can get your test done up to six months before it’s due or up to six months after it’s due without affecting your warranty. The grace period for Bürstner motorhomes is just one month.

Who can carry out a water tightness test?

The water tightness test must be conducted by an approved agent. The testing agent must follow the manufacturer’s required testing procedure including completing the test form and submitting it to Wilderness for uploading to the manufacturer’s database.

Approved water tightness testing agents

We have approved water tightness testing agents at locations across the country. Bürstner motorhomes registered from 2019 onwards require a different water tightness test than our other brands. Only some water tightness testing agents are approved to test these motorhomes.

View our list of approved water tightness testing agents.

How do I get a water tightness test?

To arrange a water tightness test for your motorhome:

• Contact an approved water tightness testing agent to make an appointment for the test.
  
  
• Enquire about the cost of the water tightness test before you book, as it can vary between service agents.
  
  
• Keep a copy of the water tightness test form for your records. 

If you have any questions, contact Wilderness after sales support for assistance.

Getting your water tightness test done according to the motorhome manufacturer’s requirements is an important part of protecting your valuable asset. If you fail to meet these requirements, the water tightness warranty will be voided and any repairs required due to water ingress will be at your cost.

Fiat or Mercedes Warranty Claims

If your motorhome has a mechanical issue or any other issue relating to the base vehicle (Fiat or Mercedes Benz), contact Wilderness after sales support.

When booking warranty work with a Fiat service agent, be aware that any parts you require must be installed by the same agent that ordered them. Parts will not be shipped to another agent while your motorhome is under warranty.

Habitation Unit Warranty Claims

If there’s an issue with your motorhome’s habitation unit or its equipment which may be covered by warranty, you must contact us before undertaking any repairs. Before repairs can be made to your motorhome habitation unit or replacement parts ordered, we need confirmation from the motorhome manufacturer that the work is covered by their warranty. We will submit a warranty pre-approval application on your behalf, but we need your help. Once the manufacturer accepts the claim, repairs can be made.

The form below contains the information we need about your motorhome and the issue that needs repair or the part that needs to be replaced.

How to make a warranty claim

1. Complete the form below.
2. Attach the photos as described.
3. Hit the submit button.

Once you submit the form, our team will review the information and forward it to the manufacturer or come back to you if we need clarification or further information.

If you have any questions about making a warranty claim, contact Wilderness after sales support.